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Rabu, 10 Maret 2010
Senin, 08 Maret 2010
Stay safe when you get there
You've got your match ticket, you've booked your flights, you've followed our Top Tips for planning, so now read our advice for when you get there....
1. think about what you are doing at all times and trust your instincts - don't take risks that you wouldn't at home
2. don't openly display valuables such as mobile phones or cameras and consider using a padlock on suitcases or backpacks
3. do not change large sums of money in busy public areas
4. be extra vigilant at airports and transport hubs. Remember - you'll be most vulnerable when you first arrive
5. always look behind you before opening your hotel room
6.do not hitch hike or accept lifts from strangers - also don't pick up strangers.
7. don't tell strangers where you are staying or give out too many details about your travel plans
8. if you are visiting a township, consult a reliable tour guide first
9. you should be extra cautious when out after dark. Streets, even in urban areas, are not brightly lit at night
10. avoid isolated beaches and picnic spots across South Africa
11.travel in groups - walking alone anywhere, especially in remote areas is not advised, if something does happen, do not offer any resistance
source; http://www.fco.gov.uk
1. think about what you are doing at all times and trust your instincts - don't take risks that you wouldn't at home
2. don't openly display valuables such as mobile phones or cameras and consider using a padlock on suitcases or backpacks
3. do not change large sums of money in busy public areas
4. be extra vigilant at airports and transport hubs. Remember - you'll be most vulnerable when you first arrive
5. always look behind you before opening your hotel room
6.do not hitch hike or accept lifts from strangers - also don't pick up strangers.
7. don't tell strangers where you are staying or give out too many details about your travel plans
8. if you are visiting a township, consult a reliable tour guide first
9. you should be extra cautious when out after dark. Streets, even in urban areas, are not brightly lit at night
10. avoid isolated beaches and picnic spots across South Africa
11.travel in groups - walking alone anywhere, especially in remote areas is not advised, if something does happen, do not offer any resistance
source; http://www.fco.gov.uk
Health risks World Cup South Africa 2010
The hospital treatment in large cities of South Africa is good but can be expensive. Medical facilities in rural areas can be basic. In remote areas, and in some countries bordering South Africa, air evacuation is sometimes the only option for medical emergencies. Get the appropriate travel insurance for your needs.
Visit your GP or health professional to find out what vaccination or medication you might need. TB, rabies, malaria and cholera are common to South Africa. Malaria is common to Kruger Park and parts of Mpumalanga, Limpopo province and KwaZulu Natal (particularly the Wetlands area around St Lucia) and in countries bordering South Africa. See our advice on Malaria.
In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that nearly five and a half million adults in South Africa were living with HIV. You should exercise precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS including safe sex. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.
source; http://www.fco.gov.uk
Visit your GP or health professional to find out what vaccination or medication you might need. TB, rabies, malaria and cholera are common to South Africa. Malaria is common to Kruger Park and parts of Mpumalanga, Limpopo province and KwaZulu Natal (particularly the Wetlands area around St Lucia) and in countries bordering South Africa. See our advice on Malaria.
In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that nearly five and a half million adults in South Africa were living with HIV. You should exercise precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS including safe sex. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.
source; http://www.fco.gov.uk
Top Tips To Enjoy World Cup 2010
Passports and visas
* you don't need a visa to enter South Africa provided you don't intend to stay longer than 90 days
* your passport must be valid for at least 30 days after you leave
* we advise that you have two blank pages in your passport on arrival
* make sure you fill in the emergency contact details page in your passport. This will make it much easier for us to contact someone if necessary
This handy checklist will help you on your way to planning your trip to South Africa
* make sure you book your accommodation before you arrive - South Africa will be incredibly busy during the World Cup period and many guest houses are already full for the duration of the competition
* remember it will be winter in South Africa and therefore it may be too cold to camp in some areas
* if you are thinking about hiring a car in South Africa, ensure that you book early as there is a limited amount available
* if you plan to use public transport then make sure you only use licensed taxis or official public transport
* check the local rules of the road. For example, at four way intersections the car that arrives first has the right of way, more information on our travel and transport page.
* not having insurance could cost over £25,000 in medical bills and air evacuation so ensure you're covered. With the high levels of crime it is also important to insure any possessions you take with you
* fake tickets may be in circulation, so make sure any tickets that you buy are genuine by checking with the FIFA World Cup Ticketing Centre. Tickets are also ID specific, and you may be asked to produce photo ID to confirm the ticket is yours
* check which vaccinations and medication you need before you travel at NaTHNaC
* there are different laws and policing in South Africa, there will be no tolerance of racist or xenophobic material, and fans deemed too intoxicated may be refused entry to the stadium
* register your details with the FCO's LOCATE system which informs us where you are going so we can provide help in an emergency
Don't forget....
* inform your credit/debit card provider where you are going to avoid your card being blocked for anti-fraud reasons
* check with your service provider to make sure your phone works abroad, and store useful numbers in your mobile phone such as the local police and our nearest office
* tell a friend or relative where you're going and how long for - give them some idea of your itinerary if possible and an emergency contact number
It's a long way...
Make sure you plan your journeys between stadiums carefully as they are spread far apart. The distance between Cape Town and Johannesburg is 880 miles, which is the same distance as London to Warsaw and would take 17 hours to drive!
We've created a map with info on each stadium - including distances to the next one in kilometres so you can start planning to follow England to victory!
source; http://www.fco.gov.uk
* you don't need a visa to enter South Africa provided you don't intend to stay longer than 90 days
* your passport must be valid for at least 30 days after you leave
* we advise that you have two blank pages in your passport on arrival
* make sure you fill in the emergency contact details page in your passport. This will make it much easier for us to contact someone if necessary
This handy checklist will help you on your way to planning your trip to South Africa
* make sure you book your accommodation before you arrive - South Africa will be incredibly busy during the World Cup period and many guest houses are already full for the duration of the competition
* remember it will be winter in South Africa and therefore it may be too cold to camp in some areas
* if you are thinking about hiring a car in South Africa, ensure that you book early as there is a limited amount available
* if you plan to use public transport then make sure you only use licensed taxis or official public transport
* check the local rules of the road. For example, at four way intersections the car that arrives first has the right of way, more information on our travel and transport page.
* not having insurance could cost over £25,000 in medical bills and air evacuation so ensure you're covered. With the high levels of crime it is also important to insure any possessions you take with you
* fake tickets may be in circulation, so make sure any tickets that you buy are genuine by checking with the FIFA World Cup Ticketing Centre. Tickets are also ID specific, and you may be asked to produce photo ID to confirm the ticket is yours
* check which vaccinations and medication you need before you travel at NaTHNaC
* there are different laws and policing in South Africa, there will be no tolerance of racist or xenophobic material, and fans deemed too intoxicated may be refused entry to the stadium
* register your details with the FCO's LOCATE system which informs us where you are going so we can provide help in an emergency
Don't forget....
* inform your credit/debit card provider where you are going to avoid your card being blocked for anti-fraud reasons
* check with your service provider to make sure your phone works abroad, and store useful numbers in your mobile phone such as the local police and our nearest office
* tell a friend or relative where you're going and how long for - give them some idea of your itinerary if possible and an emergency contact number
It's a long way...
Make sure you plan your journeys between stadiums carefully as they are spread far apart. The distance between Cape Town and Johannesburg is 880 miles, which is the same distance as London to Warsaw and would take 17 hours to drive!
We've created a map with info on each stadium - including distances to the next one in kilometres so you can start planning to follow England to victory!
source; http://www.fco.gov.uk
Important Travel and Transport
Driving in South Africa
South Africa is a vast country and as such the driving distances on straight roads can be lengthy. Journeys between venues can take up to 15 hours. Driving overseas, particularly such long distances can be daunting and as such you are adviced to take precautions for your own safety. Here are a few things to be aware of
Driving laws in South Africa
* you should drive on the left hand side of the road. The cars are right hand drive vehicles - the same as in the UK.
* speed limits in South Africa are posted in kilometres. Obey the speed limit at all times as speed cameras designed to trap drivers are commonplace and do result in a fine. Usually hire car companies will debit your account to pay for any fines acquired.
Speed limits
* national highways / major routes: 120kph (unless stated otherwise)
* secondary (rural) roads: 100kph (unless stated otherwise)
* built up area: 60kph (unless stated otherwise)
Stay safe
* keep to the left - overtake on the right
* four way stops - give priority to the first vehicle to arrive, followed by the second etc
* a roundabout should be treated as a four way stop, although the rule is to give way to the right
* traffic lights are referred to as a "robot". If this fails the junction becomes a four way stop
* seatbelts are compulsory for all occupants of the vehicle
* use of a mobile phone whilst driving is illegal
* DO NOT drink and drive
* you'll need to hold a full British UK driving licence to drive in South Africa. You will not be able to drive on a provisional licence. An international driving permit is not required
* expect the unexpected as the local driving style varies from that of the UK. Be aware of the risk posed by wild animals. When parked do not encourage animals by feeding them as they can be dangerous
* not all rural roads and scenic routes are properly tarred. Extra care should be taken on these roads - some may only be suitable for 4WD vehicles. If you aren't driving in a 4WD vehicle but intend to travel on a rough track please ensure your travel insurance covers you to do so
Remember to take...
* driving licence - including the paper copy and your passport
* travel insurance documents / emergency helpline numbers
When hiring
* ensure the company is reputable. The cheapest deal is not always the best!
* check the type of insurance you are being offered on the hire vehicle - normally this will only cover you for the third party legal minimum and as such you could be held personally responsible for injury or damage over this limit
* check in with your UK insurance provider before travelling - they may be able to increase your cover, this may be cheaper than buying it in South Africa
In the event of an accident
* contact your insurer and car hire company immediately
* take photographs of the damage to your vehicle
* DO NOT allow anyone to tow away the vehicle without first checking with car hire company or vehicle owner
source: http://www.fco.gov.uk
South Africa is a vast country and as such the driving distances on straight roads can be lengthy. Journeys between venues can take up to 15 hours. Driving overseas, particularly such long distances can be daunting and as such you are adviced to take precautions for your own safety. Here are a few things to be aware of
Driving laws in South Africa
* you should drive on the left hand side of the road. The cars are right hand drive vehicles - the same as in the UK.
* speed limits in South Africa are posted in kilometres. Obey the speed limit at all times as speed cameras designed to trap drivers are commonplace and do result in a fine. Usually hire car companies will debit your account to pay for any fines acquired.
Speed limits
* national highways / major routes: 120kph (unless stated otherwise)
* secondary (rural) roads: 100kph (unless stated otherwise)
* built up area: 60kph (unless stated otherwise)
Stay safe
* keep to the left - overtake on the right
* four way stops - give priority to the first vehicle to arrive, followed by the second etc
* a roundabout should be treated as a four way stop, although the rule is to give way to the right
* traffic lights are referred to as a "robot". If this fails the junction becomes a four way stop
* seatbelts are compulsory for all occupants of the vehicle
* use of a mobile phone whilst driving is illegal
* DO NOT drink and drive
* you'll need to hold a full British UK driving licence to drive in South Africa. You will not be able to drive on a provisional licence. An international driving permit is not required
* expect the unexpected as the local driving style varies from that of the UK. Be aware of the risk posed by wild animals. When parked do not encourage animals by feeding them as they can be dangerous
* not all rural roads and scenic routes are properly tarred. Extra care should be taken on these roads - some may only be suitable for 4WD vehicles. If you aren't driving in a 4WD vehicle but intend to travel on a rough track please ensure your travel insurance covers you to do so
Remember to take...
* driving licence - including the paper copy and your passport
* travel insurance documents / emergency helpline numbers
When hiring
* ensure the company is reputable. The cheapest deal is not always the best!
* check the type of insurance you are being offered on the hire vehicle - normally this will only cover you for the third party legal minimum and as such you could be held personally responsible for injury or damage over this limit
* check in with your UK insurance provider before travelling - they may be able to increase your cover, this may be cheaper than buying it in South Africa
In the event of an accident
* contact your insurer and car hire company immediately
* take photographs of the damage to your vehicle
* DO NOT allow anyone to tow away the vehicle without first checking with car hire company or vehicle owner
source: http://www.fco.gov.uk
2010 World Cup South Africa Travel Info
The 2010 FIFA World Cup, the premier international football tournament. It is scheduled to take place between 11 June and 11 July 2010 in South Africa. This will be the first time that the tournament has been hosted by an African nation. It's the 2010 World Cup travel info for you.
There are nine cities to be used for the World Cup: Mangaung/Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg (two venues), Nelspruit, Polokwane, Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth, Tshwane/Pretoria, and Rustenburg. Five new stadiums are to be built for the tournament (three new match venues and two new practice grounds), and five of the existing venues are to be upgraded.
In addition to the stadiums being built and upgraded, South Africa is also improve its current public transport infrastructure within the various cities, with projects such as the Gautrain and the new Bus Rapid Transit system (BRT) titled Rea Vaya. The country is also going to implement special measures to ensure the safety and security of local and international tourists attending the matches in accordance with standard FIFA requirements.
As one of the host Cities of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Cape Town is the second most populous city in South Africa, and the largest in land area, forming part of the City of Cape Town metropolitan municipality. It is the provincial capital of the Western Cape, as well as the legislative capital of South Africa, where the National Parliament and many government offices are situated.
Cape Town is not only the most popular international tourist destination in South Africa, it is Africa's main tourist destination. This is due to its good climate, natural setting, and well-developed infrastructure. The city has several well-known natural features that attract tourists, most notably Table Mountain, which forms a large part of the Table Mountain National Park and is the back end of the City Bowl. Reaching the top of the mountain can be achieved either by hiking up, or by taking the Table Mountain Cableway. Cape Point is recognised as the dramatic headland at the end of the Cape Peninsula. Many tourists also drive along Chapman's Peak Drive, a narrow road that links Noordhoek with Hout Bay, for the views of the Atlantic Ocean and nearby mountains. It is possible to either drive or hike up Signal Hill for closer views of the City Bowl and Table Mountain.
If you will go there, i suggest you to make preparation. Travel can be very expensive, but you may get a little discount if you book Cape Town Hotel South Africa online via Cheaperthanhotels.co.za. Choose what kind of hotel and what price that is right for you. Don't forget to go to Sea Point, the only high-rise area available along the entire Cape Town shoreline and therefore a very popular area for living, investing and owning first or second homes and apartments. Make sure to choose Seapoint Cape Town Hotels that suits your needs to stay.
There are nine cities to be used for the World Cup: Mangaung/Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg (two venues), Nelspruit, Polokwane, Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth, Tshwane/Pretoria, and Rustenburg. Five new stadiums are to be built for the tournament (three new match venues and two new practice grounds), and five of the existing venues are to be upgraded.
In addition to the stadiums being built and upgraded, South Africa is also improve its current public transport infrastructure within the various cities, with projects such as the Gautrain and the new Bus Rapid Transit system (BRT) titled Rea Vaya. The country is also going to implement special measures to ensure the safety and security of local and international tourists attending the matches in accordance with standard FIFA requirements.
As one of the host Cities of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Cape Town is the second most populous city in South Africa, and the largest in land area, forming part of the City of Cape Town metropolitan municipality. It is the provincial capital of the Western Cape, as well as the legislative capital of South Africa, where the National Parliament and many government offices are situated.
Cape Town is not only the most popular international tourist destination in South Africa, it is Africa's main tourist destination. This is due to its good climate, natural setting, and well-developed infrastructure. The city has several well-known natural features that attract tourists, most notably Table Mountain, which forms a large part of the Table Mountain National Park and is the back end of the City Bowl. Reaching the top of the mountain can be achieved either by hiking up, or by taking the Table Mountain Cableway. Cape Point is recognised as the dramatic headland at the end of the Cape Peninsula. Many tourists also drive along Chapman's Peak Drive, a narrow road that links Noordhoek with Hout Bay, for the views of the Atlantic Ocean and nearby mountains. It is possible to either drive or hike up Signal Hill for closer views of the City Bowl and Table Mountain.
If you will go there, i suggest you to make preparation. Travel can be very expensive, but you may get a little discount if you book Cape Town Hotel South Africa online via Cheaperthanhotels.co.za. Choose what kind of hotel and what price that is right for you. Don't forget to go to Sea Point, the only high-rise area available along the entire Cape Town shoreline and therefore a very popular area for living, investing and owning first or second homes and apartments. Make sure to choose Seapoint Cape Town Hotels that suits your needs to stay.
7 Important Travelling Tips When Travelling in Africa
By Benny Horowitz
African stunning landscapes and amazing wildlife offer a powerful contrast when considered against the poverty and violence of the people. Be prepared to encounter all these while travelling through Africa.
1. "Howzit?"
There are hundreds of languages spoken all over Africa. Still, the vast majority of the natives will understand and will speak a slang version of English. For example, "Howzit?" means "How are you?"
2. You are so rich
Regardless of how little money you are carrying on you, you will be considered rich. Thus, always stay alert, as you may become the victim of petty theft or even of some more serious crime events.
3. Violent outbursts
Africa, especially South Africa, is known nowadays for violent outbursts against foreigners. It is even highly recommended to avoid certain areas because of the increasing incidence of armed robbery, carjacking and murders.
4. How to visit
In light of the above, travelling through Africa as part of a guided tour is more advisable than visiting by yourself. As distances are great between areas of interest, you should favour tours combining travelling by plane with travelling by coach.
5. When to visit
The high season of visiting Africa spans form November through March. If you want to enjoy a cooler weather and encounter fewer tourists, you need to come to Africa in April/May or September/October.
6. Bring your binoculars
Say Africa and you are actually saying safari! Hence, do not forget to bring your binoculars; otherwise you will be missing on a lot of animal action
7. Beware of sun and mosquitoes
Wear long-sleeved trousers and shirts, and hats to avoid sunstroke. Also, use plenty of sunscreen lotions. In order to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, do not forget to use an insect repellent and to sleep under mosquitoes nets. Malaria can be contracted if bitten by an infected mosquito, thus you should consider having some vaccination before coming to Africa.
Visit Here To Discover much more on Traveling for a long period
Benny Horowitz is a hobbist traveller that's written dozens of articles on the subject of travelling and relocating to help you when traveling to a foreign country.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Benny_Horowitz
African stunning landscapes and amazing wildlife offer a powerful contrast when considered against the poverty and violence of the people. Be prepared to encounter all these while travelling through Africa.
1. "Howzit?"
There are hundreds of languages spoken all over Africa. Still, the vast majority of the natives will understand and will speak a slang version of English. For example, "Howzit?" means "How are you?"
2. You are so rich
Regardless of how little money you are carrying on you, you will be considered rich. Thus, always stay alert, as you may become the victim of petty theft or even of some more serious crime events.
3. Violent outbursts
Africa, especially South Africa, is known nowadays for violent outbursts against foreigners. It is even highly recommended to avoid certain areas because of the increasing incidence of armed robbery, carjacking and murders.
4. How to visit
In light of the above, travelling through Africa as part of a guided tour is more advisable than visiting by yourself. As distances are great between areas of interest, you should favour tours combining travelling by plane with travelling by coach.
5. When to visit
The high season of visiting Africa spans form November through March. If you want to enjoy a cooler weather and encounter fewer tourists, you need to come to Africa in April/May or September/October.
6. Bring your binoculars
Say Africa and you are actually saying safari! Hence, do not forget to bring your binoculars; otherwise you will be missing on a lot of animal action
7. Beware of sun and mosquitoes
Wear long-sleeved trousers and shirts, and hats to avoid sunstroke. Also, use plenty of sunscreen lotions. In order to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, do not forget to use an insect repellent and to sleep under mosquitoes nets. Malaria can be contracted if bitten by an infected mosquito, thus you should consider having some vaccination before coming to Africa.
Visit Here To Discover much more on Traveling for a long period
Benny Horowitz is a hobbist traveller that's written dozens of articles on the subject of travelling and relocating to help you when traveling to a foreign country.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Benny_Horowitz
Kamis, 04 Maret 2010
15 Africa travel tips
1. Take only one bag. “Suitcases are for suits, check-in for suckers” as my well-heeled friend Jan Chipchase points out. My choice is the Northface Heckler backpack (in black). It’s got a convenient sleeve for my computer, and plenty of room for the camera and other items – your mileage will vary.
2. Pack less. This is what makes #1 work. You’re going to be tempted to pack for every eventuality. Don’t. only to find out when you get there that you only need 1/3 of what you brought.
3. Carry a power bar. Usually you can find food wherever you are, however for the small cost in space having something handy that gives you some energy and that you can trust to not get a stomach bug over, this is my first choice.
4. For the techies… USB devices are great for transferring information, applications and pictures use one. However, remember that there are no condoms for USB devices and that every PC and internet cafe device should be treated as a pox-ridden carrier of digital STDs for your virgin device. Keep it faithful to only your computer (and vice versa).
5. Paperbacks trump hardbacks. There’s a lot of waiting around when traveling, which makes it nice to have a book handy.
6. On mobile phones. You have two choices on your phone. a) buy a cheap one when you get there ($20-40) and get a local SIM card. b) get an unlocked phone before you leave and just buy a SIM card when you hit the ground. For multi-country travel I suggest going with “b”, which is what I do. If you lose a lot of phones, or are terrified of being robbed, go with “a”.
7. Bargain for everything. Have a great conversation with the first seller of whatever service or product you’re interested in. Never buy from that person. Instead, figure out exactly where the line is and then haggle harder with the next vendor, tout or merchant. (How can I state this delicately…? If you’re paying 25% of the asking price, you’re still being ripped off.)
8. On Cameras. A lot could be written about this, but suffice it to say that smaller is better unless you really like to take good pictures. I would suggest something that is waterproof. My personal favorite is the Sanyo Xacti – I love this thing. However, I could equally suggest getting something that runs off just a couple AA batteries. (Pros and Prosumers who, like me, carry a larger body DSLR ignore this one. You have your own rules to live by).
9. Spread your money out. Never carry all your money in one place. This isn’t just for security reasons, its for bargaining as well. I suggest carrying varying amounts of cash in 3 different spots and knowing what the amounts are so that you never pull out too much.
10. Eat local. This is especially true if you’re going on the cheap, don’t be afraid to eat the cooked foods at the road-side kiosks. You’ll see me regularly eating beans and chapatis on the streets of Nairobi for lunch. At $.50 I’m getting a good full meal and I can do it in a hurry if need be. If that’s too adventurous for you, you can choose other local spots, just don’t fall into the trap of thinking that you have to eat at the “westernized” establishments.
11. Mosquitos are made in hell and must be killed. I could write a whole post on the epic battles I’ve had with these satanic insects. Buy a can of Doom (insect spray), get insect repellent, sit on the smoky side of the fire, use a mosquito net – whatever it takes. My favorite way to kill them is a wadded up t-shirt as it has a wide area of impact – if you’re good you can smash them up against the wall/ceiling from a good distance away.
12. Remember your power adapter. Know what the outlets are going to be like where you’re going so you can recharge your computer and/or camera. Not knowing where you’re going, I would suggest this one – though a little big, it does fit almost everywhere you’re likely to travel.
13. Watches are overrated. It’s just one more thing to carry, use your cell phone for the time. Time doesn’t matter as much anyway to be honest… I haven’t worn one for years, but it could be I’m missing something here.
14. Drink a lot. I’m not going to get into it on whether you drink bottled water, sodas, beer or tap water – just make sure you’re drinking. You’ll end up sweating more, walking more and not realizing just how dehydrated you are until you notice that you haven’t gone to the restroom all day.
15. Toss out your expectations, embrace the differences. It’s not all going to fit the “standard” (as I reminded myself when I nearly bashed my skull in) that you think it should be. Just roll with it and keep a light-approach to life. When something goes wrong, which it will, remember that a smile, a shake of your head and a laugh will take you a lot further than the angry, frustrated and shouting “white person in Africa act” will.
The bonus tip is this: make friends locally and listen to them. They know the area and can point you towards people and places that you’ll get a lot out of. They also know most of the dangerous and dark corners of the region that you should stay away from, which Kristof talks of. People, at the end of the day, are your greatest assets when traveling, not your gear, knowledge or prior experience in the region.
source: http://whiteafrican.com
2. Pack less. This is what makes #1 work. You’re going to be tempted to pack for every eventuality. Don’t. only to find out when you get there that you only need 1/3 of what you brought.
3. Carry a power bar. Usually you can find food wherever you are, however for the small cost in space having something handy that gives you some energy and that you can trust to not get a stomach bug over, this is my first choice.
4. For the techies… USB devices are great for transferring information, applications and pictures use one. However, remember that there are no condoms for USB devices and that every PC and internet cafe device should be treated as a pox-ridden carrier of digital STDs for your virgin device. Keep it faithful to only your computer (and vice versa).
5. Paperbacks trump hardbacks. There’s a lot of waiting around when traveling, which makes it nice to have a book handy.
6. On mobile phones. You have two choices on your phone. a) buy a cheap one when you get there ($20-40) and get a local SIM card. b) get an unlocked phone before you leave and just buy a SIM card when you hit the ground. For multi-country travel I suggest going with “b”, which is what I do. If you lose a lot of phones, or are terrified of being robbed, go with “a”.
7. Bargain for everything. Have a great conversation with the first seller of whatever service or product you’re interested in. Never buy from that person. Instead, figure out exactly where the line is and then haggle harder with the next vendor, tout or merchant. (How can I state this delicately…? If you’re paying 25% of the asking price, you’re still being ripped off.)
8. On Cameras. A lot could be written about this, but suffice it to say that smaller is better unless you really like to take good pictures. I would suggest something that is waterproof. My personal favorite is the Sanyo Xacti – I love this thing. However, I could equally suggest getting something that runs off just a couple AA batteries. (Pros and Prosumers who, like me, carry a larger body DSLR ignore this one. You have your own rules to live by).
9. Spread your money out. Never carry all your money in one place. This isn’t just for security reasons, its for bargaining as well. I suggest carrying varying amounts of cash in 3 different spots and knowing what the amounts are so that you never pull out too much.
10. Eat local. This is especially true if you’re going on the cheap, don’t be afraid to eat the cooked foods at the road-side kiosks. You’ll see me regularly eating beans and chapatis on the streets of Nairobi for lunch. At $.50 I’m getting a good full meal and I can do it in a hurry if need be. If that’s too adventurous for you, you can choose other local spots, just don’t fall into the trap of thinking that you have to eat at the “westernized” establishments.
11. Mosquitos are made in hell and must be killed. I could write a whole post on the epic battles I’ve had with these satanic insects. Buy a can of Doom (insect spray), get insect repellent, sit on the smoky side of the fire, use a mosquito net – whatever it takes. My favorite way to kill them is a wadded up t-shirt as it has a wide area of impact – if you’re good you can smash them up against the wall/ceiling from a good distance away.
12. Remember your power adapter. Know what the outlets are going to be like where you’re going so you can recharge your computer and/or camera. Not knowing where you’re going, I would suggest this one – though a little big, it does fit almost everywhere you’re likely to travel.
13. Watches are overrated. It’s just one more thing to carry, use your cell phone for the time. Time doesn’t matter as much anyway to be honest… I haven’t worn one for years, but it could be I’m missing something here.
14. Drink a lot. I’m not going to get into it on whether you drink bottled water, sodas, beer or tap water – just make sure you’re drinking. You’ll end up sweating more, walking more and not realizing just how dehydrated you are until you notice that you haven’t gone to the restroom all day.
15. Toss out your expectations, embrace the differences. It’s not all going to fit the “standard” (as I reminded myself when I nearly bashed my skull in) that you think it should be. Just roll with it and keep a light-approach to life. When something goes wrong, which it will, remember that a smile, a shake of your head and a laugh will take you a lot further than the angry, frustrated and shouting “white person in Africa act” will.
The bonus tip is this: make friends locally and listen to them. They know the area and can point you towards people and places that you’ll get a lot out of. They also know most of the dangerous and dark corners of the region that you should stay away from, which Kristof talks of. People, at the end of the day, are your greatest assets when traveling, not your gear, knowledge or prior experience in the region.
source: http://whiteafrican.com
South Africa World Cup 2010 advice for travelling supporters
One slightly excited fan
Excitement was in the air as the World Cup draw was made, and has lingered ever since. I watched the draw from BBC Radio Five Live’s London studio – I was there to provide comment on travel to the tournament as the balls were pulled out of the goldfish bowls .
England and USA get each other, Algeria and debutantes Slovenia. Australia must tough it out against Germany, Ghana and Serbia. Back for the first time since the invention of the Compact Disc, New Zealand fans should get to experience the same crushing feeling everyone else gets when playing them at Rugby against Italy, Paraguay and Slovakia.
Every country gets a ton of travelling around what is a big country.
What becomes quickly apparent is that this won’t be the cheapest World Cup for travelling fans to follow. Once in South Africa, the tournament be one of the most different and exciting.
There are three big problems facing fans wishing to follow their teams: flights, match tickets and hotels.
Air tickets were already expensive before the draw was made. Now they just look unreasonable. Cheaper economy fare groups have long since sold out, leaving only ‘Y’ class unrestricted economy seats on many routes. Reaching South Africa from the US or Australia involves either several changes linking up with precisely the Europe and Middle Eastern routes other fans will be on, or pricey direct flights. My tip? If you don’t have tickets already, book soon and try transitting through an African hub like Nairobi.
It could be worse. As Sky Sportrs Lashias Ncube notes, Africa-based fans in the west and north of the continent may well have to fly to Europe to pick up connections that are in any way affordable.
Hotels have been block-booked by FIFA for years, and their US$300-a-night three-star rooms don’t look tempting. They’ve gone as far as booking rooms up in Namibia, Botswana and even Mauritius, second-guessing that fans are going to use one place as a base and travel to and from games from there. Mauritius is four hours flight from Johannesburg. The idea of flying in and out for games is an absurdity. Unlike airlines, the hotel situation may get better nearer the tournament as unsold rooms are released back onto the market. The Guardian’s Vicky Baker wrote a great piece about alternative to traditional lodging options.
Tickets are always in short supply for these tournaments. If you’re not travelling on an official package – not bad value if you’re following a team like England, but selling fast – then the only option is to join the FIFA ballot and hope. Beware of unofficial agencies offering tickets at a huge mark-up. Not only are there the usual concerns about actually getting your hands on the tickets but you may find the tickets you do get are the cheapest ones, set aside for South Africans. If you’re not a Bafana Bafana fan you may well be refused entry.
Some supporter groups from teams expecting to do well are speculating that many fans will come out for the second half of the tournament. The logic is sound: many fans (including those of the Australia, New Zealand and the USA) will pack up and go home after the first round as they’ll be out. A glance at airfares certainly bears out this theory. But match tickets are more expensive for later stages.
Some fans will be taking unorthodox routes to the final. The Overland Truck rumour mill is buzzing with stories of Dutch fans chartering up to a dozen trucks to carry them thousands of miles to reach the tournament in fine style.
Safety has already arisen as a key concern, and we’ll return to it with a separate post nearer the tournament. Seasoned travellers know the risks, but in many ways the advice for South Africa is similar to other places: be alert using ATMs, take taxis after dark and watch yourself travelling between games. England fans face a combine journey of 2480km (1550 miles) for First Round matches alone.
Logistical issues aside, this World Cup is most exciting for keen travellers since 2002’s visit to Japan and South Korea. It may cost the earth but it promises to be the trip of a lifetime.
source: http://inside-digital.blog.lonelyplanet.com
2010 World Cup Travel Packages
The Ultimate World Cup Host Country
The 2010 World Cup will not only be the largest sporting event in the world, but a showcase of the modern, rugged beauty of South Africa. Whether you want to be on hand to witness the opening of the 2010 World Cup or to cheer on your team as they advance through the tournament, we have World Cup packages available for all games throughout the tournament.
South Africa will be abuzz with action as football fans from all corners of the world converge to celebrate and witness this historic event. Early tournament matches offer a great opportunity to get to know the personalities of the individual cities and stadiums, and as the playoffs and finals approach, the excitement builds.
Custom World Cup Package Highlights:
* Premium accommodations at some of South Africa's top rated hotels including the award winning Grace in Rosebank, The Saxon in Sandton, Johannesburg and The Cape Grace in Cape Town
* Exclusive access to South Africa's top safari lodges, excursions to world class sites like Victoria Falls
* A variety of day tours, private guide services and all ground logistics
We work with each traveler to customize their African experience for their perfect balance between soccer, safaris and other sightseeing.
On The Ground Staffing
Roadtrips will have on the ground staff in all our major World Cup soccer cities to assist our travelers with all their needs. It's one of the reasons why we're so successful and why our clients return to us again and again. With an event like the World Cup, we know the importance of helping our valued guests and their VIP business partners, families, and friends feel completely taken care of prior to and during their travel experience.
Roadtrips Hospitality Center In Johannesburg
The Roadtrips Hospitality Center in Johannesburg will be the perfect place to take a break from all the action and access our on-the-ground staff. Enjoy complimentary beverages and snacks while watching television broadcasts of the action. Meet fellow travelers, visitors, as well as Roadtrips hospitality at our Johannesburg Hospitality Center.
The 2010 World Cup will not only be the largest sporting event in the world, but a showcase of the modern, rugged beauty of South Africa. Whether you want to be on hand to witness the opening of the 2010 World Cup or to cheer on your team as they advance through the tournament, we have World Cup packages available for all games throughout the tournament.
South Africa will be abuzz with action as football fans from all corners of the world converge to celebrate and witness this historic event. Early tournament matches offer a great opportunity to get to know the personalities of the individual cities and stadiums, and as the playoffs and finals approach, the excitement builds.
Custom World Cup Package Highlights:
* Premium accommodations at some of South Africa's top rated hotels including the award winning Grace in Rosebank, The Saxon in Sandton, Johannesburg and The Cape Grace in Cape Town
* Exclusive access to South Africa's top safari lodges, excursions to world class sites like Victoria Falls
* A variety of day tours, private guide services and all ground logistics
We work with each traveler to customize their African experience for their perfect balance between soccer, safaris and other sightseeing.
On The Ground Staffing
Roadtrips will have on the ground staff in all our major World Cup soccer cities to assist our travelers with all their needs. It's one of the reasons why we're so successful and why our clients return to us again and again. With an event like the World Cup, we know the importance of helping our valued guests and their VIP business partners, families, and friends feel completely taken care of prior to and during their travel experience.
Roadtrips Hospitality Center In Johannesburg
The Roadtrips Hospitality Center in Johannesburg will be the perfect place to take a break from all the action and access our on-the-ground staff. Enjoy complimentary beverages and snacks while watching television broadcasts of the action. Meet fellow travelers, visitors, as well as Roadtrips hospitality at our Johannesburg Hospitality Center.
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